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Council corrects fireworks sales dates; vendor objects to broader ban in public comment
Summary
Council voted to amend municipal code language on the permitted beginning date for fireworks sales to align with state statute; a representative of Surefire Fireworks urged the council not to impose broader bans and described economic impacts to local vendors.
The Lebanon City Council approved first reading language amending the municipal code to set the beginning date for fireworks sales consistent with state statute (June 20 through July 5). Councilor Morehead explained the item before the vote: the ordinance on the agenda corrects previously adopted dates that had been listed incorrectly.
Public comment: Donovan Vasek of 200 Leilani Lane, speaking for Surefire Fireworks, asked the council not to adopt a ban on consumer fireworks beyond the statutory sale window and described family and neighborhood traditions around fireworks. He said his business and community rely on the season and noted the local economic effects: “Surefire paid over $15,000 last year in just for the tents,” Vasek said, and added that vendors pay state fees and then permit fees to the city (Vasek said $4,500 per tent in his account).
Vasek also argued that bans do not stop illegal or irresponsible use and urged the council to allow regulated sales so communities that gather for family displays can continue the tradition.
Why it matters: The council action aligns local code with state statute for fireworks sales dates and codifies the sale period; public comment highlighted tensions between safety/regulation concerns and economic and cultural interests of vendors and residents.
Next steps: The ordinance was advanced on first reading. The council indicated the language on sale dates would be corrected to match state statute; additional policy actions on bans were not taken at this meeting.
